Helping your child know how to explain their illness to others
Not only is it a challenge for kids to learn to live
with a chronic illness; it is also a challenge to know
what to say to others. Many kids want to ignore the topic,
wishing it would just go away. Obviously, that will not
happen, so helping your child know how and what to tell
others about their diagnosis will help. Role-playing is
a good way for your child to practice possible scenarios
and explanations.
Many kids worry about teasing and rejection by peers.
Usually, peers are understanding and supportive if they
ave accurate information about the illness and treatment.
Encourage your child to be open with their friends in order
to minimize questions and teasing.
Many hospitals have staff members who will go to the
school to talk to peers about a child’s diagnosis
and challenges. Your child may choose to help the health
care professional teach their classmates, or may choose
to have the session done on a day they will not be present.
Either way is fine. You may also help your child think
about how to handle the possibility of unkind comments or
teasing by role-playing. Ignoring, direct response to the
teasing, ignoring, or enlisting the support of other
classmates may be helpful techniques to minimize such behaviors.
Teasing, rejection and unkind comments are very rare
when classmates feel that they are part of the team caring
for the child, rather than being left on the outside with
unanswered questions and concerns.
Skills List
- Learn about your child’s illness and treatment
- Commmunicate openly with your children
- Help your child learn to cope with life changes
- Help your other children, spouse and extended family cope
- Prepare your child for procedures and hospitalization
- Maintain as much normalcy as possible
- Set limits, and provide discipline
- Continue normal expectations for your child
- Communicate with your child’s school
- Help your child explain the illness to others
- Accept help graciously
- Empower your child
- Help your child find a buddy with the same illness
- Handle (unsolicited) advice
- Take care of yourself
For more information, please contact:
Kathy Davis, MSEd, PhD
kdavis2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-6305